“Let our passion shine out with all we do and impact someone’s life for the better,” said Eden Asmelash, co-valedictorian of Briya’s third medical assistant class. “Let us always be there in someone else’s shoes, feel the pain down in our heart, and stretch out our hands to help them.”

Asmelash was addressing her 18 fellow MA graduates, who were celebrating their accomplishments during ceremony this December.

Co-valedictorian Rosa Ramos also spoke at the ceremony.

“This past year has changed me,” Ramos said. “I had been working in a medical office, but I didn’t have enough experience and education to understand people and have compassion. I was treating them like someone who was coming in a restaurant. I wasn’t treating them like they were going through pain and needing help and comforting.”

“Now, the doctor at the medical office trusts me to deliver the right message to the patient, and that I owe to my year here in the MA Program,” she said. “Behind every patient is a different story.”

During the ceremony, students were recognized for their accomplishments, including five graduates who already have jobs as medical assistants. In addition, three students were recognized for having perfect attendance–meaning they did not miss a single class period during the entire program.

To close her valedictorian speech, Ramos expressed her gratitude to the MA Program staff.

“All of you are in our hearts because your patience and understanding cannot be underestimated, she said. “Thank you for supporting, caring, and believing in us. You taught us to carry patience, compassion and knowledge with us to practice in our daily living.”